i just bought a 1969 harley iron head simply becasue my mechanic came along and was able to kick it over with 3 kicks...he said the first two were to create a suction...of some sort..I dont quite understand motorcycle combustion...butit seems the 3rd was teh firing one..

so dont chase anyone away fromt he classics...

this bike is a piece of american history it was made by americans back when that meant something

The real trick to kick start motorcycles is an engine that is truely in tune.
Nothing is of more benefit than a robust spark.
Recently fitted an electronic ignition to a 70s 860 Ducati. Clean carbs, adjusted valves and the novice rider/owner has that bad boy come to life in one or two kicks.
Find top dead center, bring the kickstart arm to the top and kick down and through.
Once you get the feel for it you will have a skill that will last many a year.

Want to live a nightmare? Try kickstsrting a bike that is out of tune with too much ignition advance.

Big Suzuki DR 500 trail bike? How can you kick over this monster beast easily?

Mmm, is an old bike...

So... If you have the the lift up valve on the handle bars, draw down the lever...

Kick easy on the kickstarter easly...and when the kick starter is down...leave free the lift up valve...

After this, go up with the kick starter for 3\4 cm... You feel on the kick, the piston that flow into the cylinder...

After the 3\4 cm, go down with the kick... maximum in about 3 or 4 times you have to hear a "click" in inside the engine. When you hear the click, stop you! You have just found the death point of the piston!!! Leave the kick starter and let him go up! After this, a give a strong kick on the kicl starter...

If you have many problems, there were a problem...check at the carburetor...

If there's a hill handy, I use everything that Mother Nature provides me...LOL And in the spring when I'm firin' her up after being cold stored, I'll tie a tow strap on a pickup truck and get a pull..Beats the he** outa limping for 3 days...